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ISLAMABAD: As Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday vowed to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties, the government expressed unequivocal support for Iran’s position on its troubled nuclear deal with the West that has been abandoned by the United States and urged the other parties to the agreement to remain committed to it.

Talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who is the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan after the assumption of office by the PTI-led coalition government, PM Khan recalled the “inseparable bonds” connecting Pakistan and Iran together and said that during his government he would make all efforts “to cement these relations in various areas to the benefit of both countries”.

Emphasising the importance of Pakistan and Iran in the region, PM Khan said the two countries “remained the key to growth and prosperity in the region through enhancing connectivity and promoting people to people linkages”.

Imran vows to strengthen ties with Tehran

Iran made a special outreach to the new government in a bid to reset the ties that have suffered deep mistrust over the past decades. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani soon after Mr Khan’s inauguration sent in a felicitations message.

Mr Zarif delivered an invitation to PM Khan for the upcoming Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit in Iran, which is scheduled to be held in October 2018.

Mr Khan thanked the Iranian supreme leader’s support for Kashmiris’ struggle for their right to self-determination as well as for the manner in which Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated in Iran, the PM’s Office said in a statement.

Iran this year celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day in an unprecedented manner displaying large greetings hoardings along major highways in Iranian cities and electronic screens in their public transport system.

The stage for better ties was set last year when Pakistan and Iran started cooperating on border security. The improved border security situation was mentioned during Mr Zarif’s meeting with his counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

“While expressing satisfaction over cooperation with regard to the Pakistan-Iran border, it was agreed to continue close consultations through various forums in this regard,” the Foreign Office said.

FM Qureshi in his meeting with his Iranian counterpart expressed strong support for Iranian position on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as Iranian nuclear deal from which the US has exited.

“As regards JCPOA, while supporting Iran’s principled stance, Mr Qureshi expressed the hope that remaining parties to the agreement would uphold their commitments in letter and spirit. This was important given IAEA’s repeated verification that Iran has strictly adhered to the terms of agreement,” the FO said.

Pakistan has been a consistent supporter of Iranian position on its nuclear row with the West. Islamabad believes that all countries should have access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The statement was, therefore, in line with Pakistan’s longstanding position on the matter.

Both foreign ministers agreed to hold the next rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Economic Commission at early dates. “Useful exchange of views on strengthening cooperation in economic, trade and connectivity sectors, cultural and people to people links, took place,” the FO said.

Japanese minister

The Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane and Foreign Minister Qureshi in their meeting agreed to increasing bilateral contacts to revitalise the relationship between the two countries.

“The Foreign Minister acknowledged the position of Japan as an important development partner. While recognising the economic assistance provided by Japan, he invited Japanese investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and assured facilitation to Japanese investors in all the sectors. The Foreign Minister emphasised the need to correct the balance of trade, which is currently heavily tilted in favour of Japan,” the FO said about their meeting.

The two agreed to explore ways for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

On DawnNews

Comments (82) Closed

faisal saghir

Sep 01, 2018 07:46am

bring back the rcd

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AK

Sep 01, 2018 07:48am

Efforts are underway to disrupt and paralyze the economy of Iran,Pakistan and China. Under the prevailing situation all the regional countries should unite and establish a trade free zone otherwise all will have to face difficult situations in future.

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SUMAIRA

Sep 01, 2018 07:48am

Things were going smoothly until decided to mess it all up on the behest of his Israeli American son in law and his close friends in neighboring countries.

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Justice

Sep 01, 2018 07:54am

Well done Imran Khan. Logical stance

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RUMI

Sep 01, 2018 07:57am

When the US and Iran's conflict is getting serious and the US is threatening the countries who will side with Iran , it is such a wise move to side with Iran. We must interfere in every country's dispute if their dispute is with a super power. Soon we will see a real humongous change as was promised by PTI.

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Thinker.

Sep 01, 2018 07:57am

Iran is a neighboring Muslim country. It is definitely in our interest to increase bilateral trade and cooperation in all possible fields. And Pakistan should devise its own foreign policy without being intimidated by the USA.

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Jack Sparrow

Sep 01, 2018 08:03am

Good decision

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El Cid

Sep 01, 2018 08:13am

Very encouraging meeting between estranged brother nations. Much to be done on the ground though. Gas line and electrical connections would be a good start.

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Janjua

Sep 01, 2018 08:36am

Good relations with neighbours sharing geographical boundaries are essential for own security. However Pakistan and Iran share history, religion and much more. Iran, after Imran Khan stepped in as the most popular leader of Pakistanis, hoisted Pakistan flags in its cities at the occasion of independence day of Pakistan which shows warmth in between the both.

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SohailAnwar

Sep 01, 2018 08:41am

I am proud of you, Naya Pakistan!!

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Ahmed Kamal

Sep 01, 2018 08:50am

This may anger Saudis Aribia,? Pakistan's instance should be diplomatically balanced keeping in view of fued between Iran and Saudi Arabia.Qatari boycott by gulf states also be considered before making any comments.In entire middle East,there is polarisation.

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Himmat

Sep 01, 2018 08:54am

Coming out of economic mess should be priority.

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Sarfarz

Sep 01, 2018 08:58am

What is the idea?? Are we moving away from saudia arabia. If so that not a good idea. Saudia Arabia has always been our close friend

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Common Sense

Sep 01, 2018 09:01am

Long lost Muslim brothers finally coming closer

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Abbas Naqvi

Sep 01, 2018 09:08am

Pakistan-Iran relations have taken a turn for the better opening the door for closer cooperation in all fields especially in the economic, trade, energy and connectivity sectors. Relations in the culture and education fields should also be promoted as it can increase people to people contacts. The new government's desire to further strengthen ties with Iran and similar willingness shown by Tehran is a positive development that can lead to further deepening of political relations between the two neighbors.

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Janikhel

Sep 01, 2018 09:16am

Pakistan ought to have a balanced Foreign Policy and leave enough flexibility during the said policy, what do expect from an implanted foreign service officers, they sit at the Foreign Missions Office's and collect big salaries plus the TA and DA allowances plus numerous holidays,, PM Khan should take a stick to the foreign office as well.

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Khan

Sep 01, 2018 09:27am

Wrong timing Imran, wrong timing!! With Pompeo coming in few days, this statement will cause problem for us.

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Garib Awam ki_Awaz

Sep 01, 2018 09:32am

Good initiative, our relationship with our neighbours will strengthen under PM Imran Khan's leadership, particularly with Iran. It is a two way process based on mutual respect and interests for the sake of peace in the region.

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TJ

Sep 01, 2018 09:38am

Fantastic news!

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xpakistani

Sep 01, 2018 09:53am

I think this is a principled stand. Pakistan should not jeopardize its relations with it neighbouring countries because of another country which does not share anything with it, borders culture etc. Pakistan can be the bridge between Iran and India and Iran and Saudi Arabia. Regional relationships if nurtured properly can also resolve the Afghanistan problem. Peace in the region can lead to disarmament and bellicosity between states and promote a new era of regional stability and prosperity of its people. Pakistan first.

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iqbal carrim

Sep 01, 2018 10:04am

The world salutes Pakistan for standing by the side of Iran against the action of a powerful outlaw.The RCD between Pakistan,Iran and Turkey calls for revival.

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Asad

Sep 01, 2018 10:12am

US cannot play with Imran!

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Asad

Sep 01, 2018 10:13am

Imran needs protection, a lot of governments will come after him including US. US has a habit of terminating people that dont play along.

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leena

Sep 01, 2018 10:16am

Now it is time to make link between Chabahar and Gwadar for the betterment of the neighbouring countries Pakistan, Afghanistan, China Iran and central Asian Republics.

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leena

Sep 01, 2018 10:17am

India backtracked to buy oil from Iran on US pressure.

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Dawn

Sep 01, 2018 10:18am

Yes, yes, yes.

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AW

Sep 01, 2018 10:19am

We now finally have a Government in Pakistan with a backbone which is not afraid to represent the will of the people in the country. Iran and Pakistan have so much in common and are historically natural partners in trade and defense. The PM is leading Pakistan on the correct course

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Strategist

Sep 01, 2018 10:31am

This is exactly what Pakistan must do. Iran was the first country to accept Pakistan as an independent state. It also provided free fuel to Pakistan in 1965 war against India and it has continued to assist Pakistan despite its own issues with US i.e. constructed it's part of 700 million dollar gas pipeline, which Nawaz sharif wasted under Saudi influence and US pressure. Iran continued to provide electricity at cheaper than our own wapda to many areas in Balochistan and given countless full fee scholarships to our people. So there is a lot that Iran has done for us, which we need to show our gratitude for.

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Strategist

Sep 01, 2018 10:34am

@Ahmed Kamal This is so Nawaz sharif logic. Foreign policies are not designed based on such things. If it may "anger" them, then so be it. We have to work on whatever is best in our interest.

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Strategist

Sep 01, 2018 10:35am

@Sarfarz What has Saudi Arabia done for Pakistan?

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deepu

Sep 01, 2018 10:48am

Be catious whiling dealing with iran

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whitethunder

Sep 01, 2018 11:11am

Not a good idea to anger Saudi Arabia.

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Ahmed

Sep 01, 2018 11:14am

Our relationships cannot be just based on pleasing or displeasing someone. So, this is a good decision, expand our circle of friends and alliances that are in our interest. Other will respect it too.

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Thinker

Sep 01, 2018 11:25am

Iran is more worse than US... Pak should never back these culprits at any time and any level. US role is like a wolf and and Iran is like a wolf in a sheep's clothing... They both are our enemies.

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Ahmed

Sep 01, 2018 11:34am

Good going

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Shariff

Sep 01, 2018 11:56am

To those worried about Saudi Arabia's reaction, let me remind them that Saudi's population is only 33 million people. Pakistan, with 220 million people, is 7 times larger, and has supplied Saudi Arabia with the manpower to build that country over the last 40+ years. Pakistan has the potential to be a giant of the Muslim world, and cannot and should not make its foreign policy decisions based on what pleases or displeases the Saudis.

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R Sultan

Sep 01, 2018 12:12pm

All surface displays of closeness and friendship. Any single issue of disagreement and the goodwill evaporates. Must not fall for this and remain neutral in matters relating to Iran and their mullah controlled governance.

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Naga

Sep 01, 2018 12:12pm

US doesnt care who supports Iran.

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Zaid

Sep 01, 2018 12:13pm

For the first time we are on the right track

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KaulM

Sep 01, 2018 12:13pm

@Khan Well said. Not a good idea to rub wrongly on US and Saudi Arabia, both being your closest allies. Best would be to keep quiet and mind own business.

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Imran

Sep 01, 2018 12:23pm

Good work by Leadership

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RationalBabu

Sep 01, 2018 12:29pm

@Common Sense: Which ‘brother’ do you prefer? Iran or Saudi Arabia? Because those 2 brothers will never get on!

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SHAHID SATTAR

Sep 01, 2018 12:32pm

Good decision. Time to volte face the foreign policy according to the existing ground realities.

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Al

Sep 01, 2018 12:33pm

Well done Imran Khan. Pakistan & Iran are natural partners.

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Saz

Sep 01, 2018 12:37pm

@Sarfarz how Saudi Arabia is closer to us? Did they demonstrate such closeness when our interests are at stake or ONLY when their interests are at stake?

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Dr Asif

Sep 01, 2018 12:40pm

HE needs an extra security detail now and he should listen to the army . General Bajwa has won my heart.

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Bhavin

Sep 01, 2018 01:00pm

The articles in newpapers and the comments always talk as if some external power is responsible for the mess that Pakistan is in. Sounds like a group is giving a spin to every issue here. Reminds me of the early days of Modi in India

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Sajjad

Sep 01, 2018 01:09pm

While I approve better ties with Iran and Turkey, and scaling down military aid to Saudi, these actions run against the possibility of IMF loans. So let us be clear what we want more.

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Zak

Sep 01, 2018 01:28pm

@AK And Turkey, the old RCD countries.

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Zak

Sep 01, 2018 01:28pm

Iran was always supportive of Pakistsn, they just wanted to deal with an honest leader. They got one.

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Harun

Sep 01, 2018 01:34pm

Please open up a corridor for medicines and essential supplies to Iran

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ABE

Sep 01, 2018 01:42pm

Pakistan needs to hedge her bets by strengthening ties with regional powers, like Iran and Turkey, as well as Russia and China. America and Saudis cannot be relied about, neither to be trusted.

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Dipak

Sep 01, 2018 01:49pm

@Khan you are absolutely correct.In diplomacy you can not go by emotions you have to keep balanced relationships.

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Changez Khan

Sep 01, 2018 01:52pm

Excellent move.

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Dipak

Sep 01, 2018 01:55pm

@AW just wait very soon you won’t have back and bones will be broken.in this type of situation you have to use your head not emotion.That’s call diplomacy.

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Himmat

Sep 01, 2018 02:00pm

@leena No, India is still buying oil from Iran.

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Sachin

Sep 01, 2018 02:01pm

A lot of people here saying Iran is a Muslim country and we should thus have friendly ties. Why is being a Muslim country a reason?

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confused

Sep 01, 2018 02:04pm

Neighbors First Policy !!

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Guest

Sep 01, 2018 03:17pm

Pakistan's support on any nuclear proliferation related matters is really considered to have significant impact on world opinion.

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Jjacky

Sep 01, 2018 03:36pm

All those who are praising IK, first tell ur new PM to start buying gas and oil from iran, than talk.

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Raj patel

Sep 01, 2018 04:52pm

Only verbal support won’t do good for the country rather harm the country most

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Karido

Sep 01, 2018 05:02pm

It is plain obvious that the US is friend of nobody but Israel . Pakistan , Iran and Turkey can form a formidable block that can counter the influence of super and not so super powers in the area. The strategy should be to realign economies to the benefit of regional integration rather than being tied to the west. The dollar should be dumped as the defacto trade medium .

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Saif Zulfiqar

Sep 01, 2018 05:06pm

RCD should be revived for the betterment of the people.

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Iftekhar Hassan

Sep 01, 2018 05:08pm

@AK Very well said, Turkey must also join.

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Pris Stratton

Sep 01, 2018 05:38pm

This should be fun

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qaiser ahmed

Sep 01, 2018 06:02pm

Did the question of ChabaharPort come up? For those of us who don't know. Iran has given full access to India to Chabahar Port. So much for Iran wanting to be our friends.

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FIDA SAYANI

Sep 01, 2018 06:16pm

Pakistan and Iran must stand together against the devils who are bent on destroying the Muslim nations. To this unity the time is ripe to include other like minded Muslim nations.

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dr sataria

Sep 01, 2018 06:23pm

pakistan can buy oil from iran much cheaper, we dont need saudi

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Asim Iqbal

Sep 01, 2018 06:32pm

Is it only the Khan's govt which is attracting foreign dignitaries or it has also happened in the start days of previous government??

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Masterstroke

Sep 01, 2018 06:50pm

When Iran faces problems they remember Pakistan as a neighbors, when they are out of crisis they forget Pakistan.
Unnecessary interference in US -Iran spat.
First secure the economy with the help of China, Saudi Arabia and the US. Then stand with who helped us in our crisis.
Imran Khan is no different than ex PMs.
Pakistan first must be the priority than incapable Iran.

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M. Siddique

Sep 01, 2018 07:20pm

Pakistan and Iran should have best relations irrespective of their relations with other neighbors. Pakistan and Iran have strong bonds and must be strengthened further.

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shahid

Sep 01, 2018 08:00pm

At least we are hearing that new government has taken steps to take the country in right direction.

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Zulfi

Sep 01, 2018 08:17pm

@RUMI

So you actually believe that Pak should not improve relations with Iran just because of US pressure!! What kind of logic is that? It is in Pakistan's own interests to have good relations with all its neighbours (You can change friends but not neighbours) as well as a good working relationship with the US based on mutual respect and trust. We should not get involved in foreign conflicts or agree with US or anyone-else all the time. We need to look at our own interests.

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Ahmed A.

Sep 01, 2018 08:19pm

Good direction - continue enhancing regional relationships, with China, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, KSA, UAE, Russia and India. If we solve the issues and enhance the bilateral ties, US or any power would be rendered useless.

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Nilesh Mahadik

Sep 01, 2018 08:48pm

Army always watching back of PM

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B A Mir

Sep 01, 2018 09:44pm

Pakistan should play a constructive role in maintaining balance between Saudi Arabia n Iran to come out of the quagmire to which the Muslim world is going through at present

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Arsalan

Sep 01, 2018 10:17pm

Please detail daily

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ABBY

Sep 01, 2018 10:32pm

@Khan It is a perfect timing. America should know clearly that America can not impose her demands on other nations.

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Shan

Sep 02, 2018 02:03am

The way Pakistan is behaving iK will never be able to secure loan from iMF.

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Chinpaksaddique

Sep 02, 2018 02:44am

Why support anyone? Wrong decision as it is against Saudi and American interest

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Khawar

Sep 02, 2018 09:50am

@Khan instead a power move

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Balaji

Sep 03, 2018 08:59am

@Shan Deliberate move by the PM. He has to wrest back the controls to an elected Govt. The only way is to play brinkmanship